Standard Horizon unveiled a range of VHF radios at the recent London Boat Show, with something for everybody.
The new GX3000E is an affordable, medium sized 25W Class D DSC transceiver with the capability to add two remote stations - and a 30W loud hailer/fog horn. This one literally comes with bells and whistles!
Up to two remote microphones may be used in conjunction with the radio, allowing all the unit's functions to be controlled remotely - effectively giving two or three full VHF stations on board, sharing a single antenna. There is even a choice of microphones to do this - the original fist mic, or a new alphanumeric telephone style handset.
When the radio is interfaced with an onboard GPS, position information may be displayed on the large alphanumeric LCD screen, also details of speed over ground (SOG) and course over ground (COG). Simply by pressing a couple of buttons, the user can request the position of another vessel, or send their own position information to another vessel.
There is immediate access to Channel 16 as well as a dedicated DSC distress button.
The GX3000E may be flush-mounted, and the front panel is waterproof to IPX7. In fact the radio is covered by a three-year waterproof warranty.
The Standard Horizon GX3000E retails at £219, including flush-mount bracket and dust cover. Additional mics cost £75 (fist) and £129 (telephone style.)
Also new is the GX1500E, small and compact, with a price to match (£179), yet offering all the necessary features and functions.
Its size means it can be installed on RIBS and sportsboats, but it is suitable for larger craft as well. It claims to have one of the biggest alphanumeric screens available in a radio of this size, and you can add a remote control mic to make it a dual-station radio. There's a three-year waterproof warranty as well.
Getting smaller still, the other newcomer is Standard Horizon's HX270E - the company's smallest ever handheld VHF. But this is a small set with big ideas - there is a connection to add an optional speaker mic or handsfree set. The latter is said to be particularly useful for yacht racing, as the navigator can follow the start sequence, recalls, course announcements etc, while still having hands free to work the boat.
Also included is a high intensity distress strobe light, which blinks internationally recognised SOS signals to attract attention. And the set is fully submersible - all for £139.
For more information visit www.standardhorizon.co.uk
